Boxer Dale Evans back in ring with a special tribute to Towell
BOXER Dale Evans will step through the ropes for the first time since Mike Towell died after their bout – and he will carry a special tribute to his former foe.
Dale says he will continue to honour “Iron Mike” as he pursues a dream they shared – winning a British title.
On Saturday Dale will fight for the first time since that fateful night in Scotland.
“I put Mike on the shorts because, like I said, I still have the British title in my sights – it is just around the corner and I’ve always said it is not just for me, it’s for Mike as well so I thought to have his name on my shorts was a nice touch.”
Dale said he posted images of the shorts on Twitter, which have been well received in Scotland.
“People have been retweeting it and liking it, I noticed Mike’s girlfiend liked the tweet.
“I will probably keep it there until I retire – it will be there for the rest of my boxing days.”
The 25-year-old, from St Clears, is ready to relaunch his career in Swansea on Saturday – and hopes to fight for the Lonsdale belt by the end of the year. He became the mandatory challenger with a fifth-round stoppage of Mike Towell last September – and the Scot later died from injuries suffered during the fight.
“The first few months (after Towell’s death) were horrendous,” admitted Evans.
“Boxing was the furthest thing from my mind. I didn’t go near the gym. It’s easier now that some time has passed.”
Evans accepts he may have to wait for his shot at the British title.
Bradley Skeete defends the belt against Shayne Singleton on June 2, and Evans said: “I don’t know if I’m still the mandatory and even if I am, I’m going to have to wait to get my shot.”